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College or Career? Why CTE Helps Students Succeed in Both

Is college the only path to success? Career and technical education (CTE) offers students a powerful alternative — helping them gain industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and dual credits for college. Learn how CTE prepares students for both high-demand careers and higher education, reducing uncertainty and boosting career readiness.

When I was in high school (longer ago than I care to admit), it felt like the only post-graduation option for success was college. For that reason, I didn’t consider anything else — even though my high school was actually an early adopter of career and technical education (CTE). But now, with the rising costs of college and student debt, students are looking for alternatives. “Alternatives” might sound like a nice word to mean “the less-good option,” but that’s not the case anymore. Many high-paying, in-demand careers do not require a four-year degree but do require specialized skills. That’s where CTE comes in.

CTE as a direct career path

CTE is known for giving students access to internships and apprenticeships where they get hands-on experience and build applicable career skills. But sometimes when people think of CTE, they picture vocational education with a limited range of career paths. Today’s CTE pathways are full of options in high-demand, high-paying careers like healthcare, cybersecurity, and engineering. When students graduate high school already possessing skills tailored to these career paths, they predictably have a much higher rate of employment post-graduation.

CTE as a pathway to college

CTE isn’t just for students planning on going straight to a career after high school — it’s a pathway to college, too. With dual credit programs, CTE students can earn college credits while still in high school, allowing them to save money on tuition by fast-tracking their degree. Many CTE pathways even align with college programs and the industry-recognized certifications students can earn help to strengthen college applications. As a result, 79% of CTE students enroll in college or a post-secondary program.

79%

The percentage of CTE students who enroll in college or a post-secondary program.

source: California Department of Education

The best of both worlds — eliminating career uncertainty

Many students enter college without a clear career goal, resulting in them changing majors or even dropping out. Taking CTE courses means that students can explore careers in high school before committing to a college major or career path. This means that CTE graduates will enter college or post-secondary training with more confidence in the path they want (or don’t want) to pursue. Not only that, but CTE students are more prepared for college in general: in California, “80 percent of students taking a college prep academic curriculum with rigorous CTE met college and career readiness goals, compared to 63 percent of students who did not take CTE.”

80%

The percentage of California CTE students who met college and career readiness goals.

63%

The percentage of California students who did not take CTE courses that met the same readiness goals.

source: California Department of Education

The impact of CTE: proven success across industries

Not only do CTE courses boost graduation rates and reduce absenteeism, but they have real-world benefits across a variety of high-demand career paths.

Technology & Cybersecurity: Many students who complete CTE programs in IT and cybersecurity gain industry certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately or transition into college-level computer science programs with advanced standing.
Healthcare & Medical Fields: CTE students in nursing, medical assisting, and biotechnology programs benefit from hands-on training, often securing apprenticeships or earning dual credit toward healthcare degrees.
Engineering & Skilled Trades: Students who take CTE courses in engineering, manufacturing, or automotive technology often receive internships or industry placements, leading to higher-paying jobs right out of high school or a stronger foundation for college engineering programs.
Business & Entrepreneurship: CTE programs in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship help students develop real-world business skills, with many going on to launch their own businesses or pursue degrees in business administration.

CTE isn’t about choosing between college or career — it’s about preparing for both paths to give students the best chance at future success. By expanding CTE offerings, schools can help students make informed decisions before being asked to choose a major or a job post-graduation. Hopefully, as CTE gains ground in these high-demand career paths, students will have the information and experience they need to pursue their next steps with confidence.

College or Career? Why CTE Helps Students Succeed in Both

CTE as a direct career path

CTE as a pathway to college

The best of both worlds — eliminating career uncertainty

The impact of CTE: proven success across industries

Discover the top reasons to expand CTE programs in your district

About the Author – Ally Jones